How we're picking Sunday's game

Green Bay Packers beat reporter Weston Hodkiewicz

Pete Dougherty - 0-0

49ers 27, Packers 21

San Francisco has the most talent in the NFC, including an ascending quarterback in Colin Kaepernick, who should be a more polished decision maker this season. Though the read-option subplot is intriguing, the key might be whether rookie running back Eddie Lacy can do enough to slow the 49ers' pass rush.

Weston Hodkiewicz - 0-0

49ers 30, Packers 23

The Packers need to prove they can go blow-for-blow with the 49ers in all three phases of the game after being bested twice in 2012. The Packers are deeper defensively and likely won't give up another 579 yards of total offense to an option-driven offense, but the 49ers still have the upper hand with defensive personnel in a scheme that mirrors Green Bay's.

Mike Vandermause - 0-0

49ers 27, Packers 24

After getting embarrassed in the playoffs by the 49ers, the Packers' defense has taken an offseason crash course in how to play against the read-option offense. The result should be a better performance against Colin Kaepernick. But the difference will come down to the 49ers' front seven on defense, which might be the best in the league.

Robert Zizzo - 0-0

49ers 28, Packers 21

While the Packers have had a full offseason to study the read option, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is shrewd enough to account for that and instead test a Green Bay defense that gave up 4.5 yards per carry last season. The Packers have a chance to win if they can stop the rush and force Colin Kaepernick into a turnover or two.

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How we're picking Sunday's game

49ers 27, Packers 21 San Francisco has the most talent in the NFC, including an ascending quarterback in Colin Kaepernick, who should be a more polished decision maker this season.

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